Simply Organized to open first of four stores

Simply Organized, a new venture by the founders of City Mill, is gearing up for a grand opening on Nov. 22.

The first of four stores, measuring 12,000 square feet, is slated to open at the new Crossroads at Kapolei Shopping Center at Kamokila Boulevard and Wakea Street. Honolulu-based Crocodile Partners, in partnership with Lettuce Expand LLC, a subsidiary of City Mill, is developing the retail center.

"We are so excited," said Carol Ai May, vice president of Simply Organized LLC.

Simply Organized yesterday announced its new management team - with Michelle Suzuki as merchant manager, and Rochelle Ortiz as store manager.

Suzuki has 14 years of retail merchandising experience, and comes from Duty Free Shoppers. Ortiz spent the last six years at Borders Books at Pearlridge Mall and Waikele, most recently as sales manager.

The new Simply Organized store will feature a wide assortment of storage and organization tools for every part of the home - from the bathroom to the kitchen, office, garage (for bicycles and golf clubs, for instance), laundry room, and closet.

May described the items as "fashion-forward" in a wide range of price points and materials - from plastic to stainless steel and bamboo.

The first store will hire between 12 to 15 employees, with more to come as additional store sites are secured.

Simply Organized LLC is looking for more locations, said May, ideally in town, East Honolulu and the Windward side.

"We think that Oahu can support four stores," she said.

May said she was aware starting a new venture is a risk in these tough economic times, but believes it may pay off in the long run.

Despite City Mill having 109 years of history and experience in Hawaii, May said: "Longevity is no guarantee for success in the future."

"It is a risk, but we feel it's a calculated risk because these are items that everyone needs for their home," said May. "We continue to grow and change, and to meet the needs of the market. We think that in Hawaii, everyone needs storage."

The Crossroads at Kapolei, a three-acre retail center next to the Kapolei 16-plex theaters, will be anchored by Simply Organized and the Chun Kam Wah Noodle Factory.

Kapolei Commons, a new mall to be anchored by Target, a new Costco warehouse and gas station, and a new retail center anchored by Foodland, are also in Kapolei's development pipeline over the next two years.